the library database
Many university and college libraries (including the University of Alberta) subscribe to a large range of databases, or periodical indexes, through which students can access resources that they may otherwise need to pay for. Through these databases, you can often access electronic versions of journal articles. Click here for the database listing.
Every database contains specific information that concerns the document formats that are available, what languages are available, the variety of information included in the record, and most importantly, what subject area or disciplines are involved. Databases can be subject or discipline specific, and as such it is important that you search only within databases that are relevant to your topic. If you need information detailing the relationship between stress and depression, chances are you will not find the information you need in a database dedicated to marketing research. Most databases will offer a description that you can look at to determine whether or not the database is suitable to your needs, so make sure you look here first- it will save you a great deal of time and frustration.
The most commonly used database in psychology is psycINFO which is part of the OVID database subscription. You may have searched Google Scholar for journal articles before; psycINFO is much more comprehensive and subject specific compared to Google Scholar and provides links to the complete article.
Periodical indexes are typically accessible through the library, and are also available on the internet. However, to access these resources remotely, you will need to enter in your CCID and password.
